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Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and peppery heat.
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Yield: 4
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and peppery heat. Tender pan-seared chicken is glazed in honey and cracked black pepper, then tossed with pasta in a silky, lightly creamy sauce. It’s cozy, bold, and weeknight-friendly—but still feels restaurant-worthy.
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Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Ingredients
- Pasta & Chicken
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Honey Pepper Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Creamy Finish
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain. - Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken lightly with salt. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Make the honey pepper glaze
In a small bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. - Build the sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then garlic. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in honey pepper glaze and simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. - Make it creamy
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer gently until smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening. - Combine
Add chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated and heated through. - Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with extra cracked black pepper and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Extra heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Veg add-ins: Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms pair great with the sauce.
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half and reduce Parmesan slightly.
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